Boss on end of cup run
Once again it was individual errors that Paul Buckle felt cost his team a place in the quarter-final of the FA Cup after defeat at home to Millwall.
In what has been an Achilles heel for the Town all season, the manager was frustrated that his side were unable to get their noses ahead after conceding James Henry’s 12th-minute strike.
“I’m disappointed because a big part of today was always that we didn’t concede early – and that’s what we did,” said the manager.
“It was a poor first goal to concede but we recovered well, Arnaud Mendy and Andre Gray went close and their keeper had a good game.
“However, whatever level you’re at you can’t defend like that against Championship opposition. The first goal meant we were always chasing the game and it meant some desperation crept in. Had we held out or got it back to 1-1 it would have been a different game.
“But mistakes have been the story of our season. We need to be honest now starting Monday. We’ve got to cut them out and move on.”
And move on they will – it’s back to the bread and butter of the Blue Square Bet Premier on Tuesday when the Town travel to Macclesfield Town.
“It’s Saturday-Tuesday from now on, and we have to deal with it,” said Buckle. “We’ve got to do everything to get promoted.
“The first thing we have to address is keeping clean sheets. I’ve got to put together a back four that compliments each other. That’s what it’s all about. The one thing Millwall didn’t allow us today was anything sloppy – they were no-nonsense and that is how we need to be.”
However disappointing the result, Buckle was in agreement that it had been one heck of a journey in the competition.
“It’s been unbelievable,” said the boss. “It’s something I will always remember. There’s no better place in football than a full house at Kenilworth Road.
“I’d like to thank the fans who supported us against Millwall and Wolves here and, of course, that game at Norwich.
“There have been some brilliant times during this cup run – let’s hope there’s more good times ahead.”